Little Bay to Smoky Cape Trail Hiking Australia

Length: 10km
Duration: 4hrs
Grade: 5
Style: One Way
Start: Lighthouse Rd, Arakoon
End: Lighthouse Rd, Arakoon

Location: Hat Head National Park
Closest Town:
Distance from CBD: 456 km
State: NSW
Latitude: -30.92143661
Longitude: 153.085553

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Hat Head National Park...

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Little Bay to Smoky Cape is a 10km, grade 5 one way hike, located in the Hat Head National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take approximately 4hrs to complete.

Hike Summary

If you're an adventurous walker, you'll love the Little Bay to Smoky Cape walk.
This 10km coastal track begins near Little Bay picnic area in Arakoon National Park, near Kempsey on the north coast of NSW. Start at historic Overshot Dam, where you can feed the ducks before setting off. Then simply follow the ridge to The Gap Beach and Smoky Cape tracks.
As you walk you'll come across beautiful, diverse scenery including heathland, rainforest and grassy woodland. Depending on the season, you might see wildflower displays or spot whales from the cliffs.
When you arrive at Smoky Cape, head to Captain Cook's lookout for a picnic lunch and a tour of the lighthouse. Or you can always do the walk in reverse and finish at the picnic area at Little Bay.

About the region

Hat Head National Park on the mid-north coast of NSW near South West Rocks is a natural paradise. Explore the lighthouse, camp by the beach and go fishing and swimming. Hat Head is a national park in New South Wales, Australia, 461.7 kilometres via M1 and Pacific Highway/A1, northeast of Sydney. It lies within the Hastings-Macleay Important Bird Area.

Getting there

To Captain Cook carpark. Little Bay to Smoky Cape starts at Little Bay picnic area in the Trial Bay Gaol precinct of the adjoining Arakoon National Park. To get there:From South West Rocks:Follow Phillip Drive (it becomes Wilson Street)Turn right onto Gladstone Street which becomes Carri StreetContinue along Carri Street until you reach Little Bay picnic areaFollow the signs to Overshot Dam where the track beginsAlternatively, if starting from Smoky CapeOn entering Hat Head National Park:Take the South West Rocks RoadFollow the signs to Smoky Cape lighthouseThe walk begins near Captain Cook's lookout Park entry points Captain Cook carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Overshot Dam, the nearby Little Bay picnic area or near Captain Cook's lookout at Smoky Cape.

Tips

Starting at Overshot Dam at Little Bay, follow the ridge to The Gap Beach and Smoky Cape tracks. A one-way journey can take up to four hours.
You may wish to bring your camera and keep an eye out for whales and birds as you go

Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.

The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.